unravel
verb (used with object)
to separate or disentangle the threads of (a woven or knitted fabric, a rope, etc.).
had unraveled
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past perfectof unravel.past perfect
Used to express a completed action that took place before another specific past action occurred.
Example Sentences
Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.
She also confessed to the crowd that she had a “broken” dress — a back that had unraveled, apparently during the evening’s most high energy moment…
From Seattle Times ● Mar. 11, 2024
“I thought the case had unraveled for the state and Leo’s going to get out,” he said.
From New York Times ● Jan. 28, 2023
It was another aspect of the social contract between employer and employee that had unraveled.
From Salon ● Nov. 22, 2022
By the time James returned for the live “After the Final Rose” special, the season had unraveled, Harrison had exited the franchise, and James was mentally and physically exhausted.
From Los Angeles Times ● Jun. 9, 2022
And few places in the country were as chaotic as Osage County, where the unwritten codes of the West, the traditions that bound communities, had unraveled.
From "Killers of the Flower Moon" by David Grann
